Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX) has taken another significant step in its commitment to “path-to-pro player” development with the addition of three standout Academy players to its inaugural roster of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property.
Now eligible to train and compete at the professional level, rising stars Sydney Schmidt, Hailey Smith and Sarah Weisberg bring fresh energy and local talent to a versatile and competitive Sporting JAX squad.
Through USL Academy contracts, players across the USL system can gain valuable experience at the senior team level in a professional setting from a young age, while maintaining their college eligibility.
“We’re excited to welcome these three Academy players to our professional team,” said Stacey Balaam, head coach of Sporting JAX. “They have earned this opportunity through hard work and soccer maturity beyond their years. This is not only a great moment for them, but for our entire club and community.”
Schmidt is a versatile midfielder and defender who has played for the United States on multiple youth national teams, most recently starting at left back for the country’s U-17 squad. Named the 2024 High School Player of the Year by area media outlets, Schmidt has committed to Florida State University, one of the nation's top college programs. Her technical skill, tactical IQ and composure under pressure will make her an immediate asset to the club’s pro team.
Smith, a standout goalkeeper, recently completed a successful season with the Sporting JAX’s W League team. Smith will return to Creekside High School this fall and has committed to the University of Iowa. Her shot-stopping ability and poise in high-pressure moments make her a critical addition to the team’s goalkeeping unit, coached by Mat Cosgriff.
Weisberg, a dynamic midfielder also from Creekside High School, logged valuable minutes (97 total) with the USL W League squad this summer. During her sophomore season at Creekside, she tallied nine goals and seven assists, ranking third on the team in total points while helping lead them to a top state ranking. Weisberg’s creativity, vision and attacking instincts add depth and versatility to the Sporting JAX midfield.
Together, this trio represents the next wave of emerging talent in Northeast Florida, showcasing the strength of Sporting JAX’s Academy program. Their addition to the women’s pro team affirms the club’s commitment to cultivating local talent and reinforces its long-term vision to create a seamless pathway from the youth to professional level.
As training continues and the squad prepares for the next stage of competitive play, the addition of the three hometown stars reflects a bold commitment to shaping the future of Sporting JAX in Northeast Florida.
Sporting JAX’s debut takes center stage this August as the club hosts two historic preseason friendlies at UNF’s Hodges Stadium, beginning with its first home match on Aug. 2, welcoming the reigning Scottish Women’s Premier League champions, Hibernian FC Women.
One week later, on Aug. 10, the club will host Wrexham AFC Women, the rising Welsh club whose story captivated global audiences thanks to celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in the hit FX/Hulu documentary, “Welcome to Wrexham.” Both matches will kick off at 7 p.m.
These high-profile international matchups are part of the Sporting JAX 16-game season ticket package, which also includes 14 regular-season home games. Fans who have already secured season tickets will automatically receive entry to both preseason matchups.
Single-game tickets for the two preseason matches against Hibernian and Wrexham and a combined preseason two-game “Euro Pack” priced lower than single-match tickets are available now at sportingjax.com/europack or call 904-863-KICK.
Sporting JAX will kick off its inaugural Gainbridge Super League season on Aug. 23, against DC Power at 7 p.m. at Hodges Stadium. All regular and postseason matches will stream live on Peacock and the club will announce local broadcast details in the coming weeks.
Regular season tickets start at $10 per match and include access to all preseason and regular-season home games. Fans can also receive a complimentary Sporting JAX inaugural season scarf (while supplies last) with purchase. Go to sportingjax.com/tickets or call 904-863-KICK to be part of this historic season from the beginning. For group ticket packages, go to sportingjax.com/group-tickets-fan-experiences.
For the latest Sporting JAX news, matchday updates and behind-the-scenes access, follow @Sporting_JAX across all social media platforms.
